When you have braces, there are many concerns that come up related to maintenance and care. How do I eat, how do I brush, can I play sports? These are all really good questions, and we've got the answers!
Eating with Braces
Loose or broken brackets and wires are the most common factor that leads to how long one has to stay in braces. An unnoticed loose bracket or broken wire can delay for months. After every meal, you'll want to inspect your braces for these things to make sure you are still safe. Make sure to notify our staff immediately if you suffer a broken wire or loose bracket. Eating hard, crunchy, sticky, or crusty foods are going to break a wire or cause a loose bracket more often than softer foods.
Brushing and dental care with Braces
When you've got braces, it's more important than ever to brush and floss. We recommend at least 3, if not 4 times a day for brushing, and flossing very regularly. Our patients that don't do this may require more frequent visits to get their teeth professionally cleaned.
How Often Should I see my dental professional while wearing braces?
You should see your dentist, orthodontist, or periodontist every 3-6 months while under their care, based on the plans that the doctor sets with you during your appointment.
Can I play sports while wearing braces?
Braces should not impact your ability to play sports. We may have to take special care or added precautions such as higher levels of mouth protection with the use of mouth guards. If there is an accident involving your braces, make sure to inspect them immediately so that we can fix any issues before they get worse.
Eating with Braces
Loose or broken brackets and wires are the most common factor that leads to how long one has to stay in braces. An unnoticed loose bracket or broken wire can delay for months. After every meal, you'll want to inspect your braces for these things to make sure you are still safe. Make sure to notify our staff immediately if you suffer a broken wire or loose bracket. Eating hard, crunchy, sticky, or crusty foods are going to break a wire or cause a loose bracket more often than softer foods.
Brushing and dental care with Braces
When you've got braces, it's more important than ever to brush and floss. We recommend at least 3, if not 4 times a day for brushing, and flossing very regularly. Our patients that don't do this may require more frequent visits to get their teeth professionally cleaned.
How Often Should I see my dental professional while wearing braces?
You should see your dentist, orthodontist, or periodontist every 3-6 months while under their care, based on the plans that the doctor sets with you during your appointment.
Can I play sports while wearing braces?
Braces should not impact your ability to play sports. We may have to take special care or added precautions such as higher levels of mouth protection with the use of mouth guards. If there is an accident involving your braces, make sure to inspect them immediately so that we can fix any issues before they get worse.